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Workplace Equipment

The Work Equipment support helps employees and self-employed people purchase the assistive equipment and technology they need to carry out their work effectively. Funding is available for equipment used in the workplace or for remote work from home.

The support is intended to remove workplace barriers by providing specialised equipment that enables a person with a disability or health condition to perform their job.

Note: If existing workplace equipment requires modification or adaptation, this is covered under Workplace Adaptation rather than the Work Equipment support.

The employer or self-employed person is responsible for sourcing and purchasing the approved equipment and claiming reimbursement from the Department of Social Protection.

Unless the equipment becomes part of the employer's standard workplace equipment, ownership remains with the employee or self-employed person.

Support Available

The Work and Access Scheme provides funding of:

  • Up to €12,000 for assistive equipment or technology used in the workplace, including specialist training where required.
  • Up to €12,000 for assistive equipment or technology used in a remote-working location, including specialist training where required.

Funding may also be used for:

  • Software updates.
  • Annual software licence renewals.

Approval must be obtained before purchasing software renewals.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you meet the general Work and Access eligibility criteria and:

  • Are an employee or self-employed.
  • Require specialised assistive equipment or technology to carry out your work.
  • Need the equipment for use in your workplace or remote-working environment.

Applications must be supported and approved by the employer where applicable.

Eligible Equipment

Examples of equipment and technology that may be funded include:

  • Specialised office furniture.
  • Alternative or ergonomic keyboards.
  • Screen magnifiers.
  • Induction loop systems.
  • Telephone amplifiers.
  • Sip-and-puff systems.
  • Screen-reading software.
  • Voice recognition software.
  • Real-time captioning systems.
  • Assistive software licence renewals and updates.

Where required, funding may also include specialist training to enable the applicant to use the equipment effectively.

Before purchasing any assistive technology, employers should ensure it is compatible with existing workplace systems and devices.

What the Support Does Not Cover

Work Equipment funding cannot be used to:

  • Purchase equipment that employers would normally provide for all employees.
  • Cover the ordinary costs of establishing or operating a business.
  • Purchase job-specific equipment that forms part of the employer's standard equipment.
  • Meet statutory obligations that employers are already required to provide under legislation, including:
  • The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
  • The Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015.

Ownership of Equipment

In most cases, the approved equipment remains the property of the employee or self-employed person.

However, when the equipment is integrated into the employer's workplace equipment or systems, ownership may remain with the employer.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the application form

Employees and self-employed applicants must complete the Work and Access Application Form (WA1).

Applications should include details of the equipment required and how it will support the individual in carrying out their work.

Step 2: Submit your application

Applications can be submitted by:

  • Your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
  • Email: WorkandAccess@welfare.ie
  • Post to:
    Employment Services Management Support Team
    Department of Social Protection
    PO Box 13736
    Freepost FDN7696
    Co. Louth

Step 3: Assessment and Approval

The Department of Social Protection will assess the application.

  • Funding approval must be received before any equipment is purchased.
  • Once approved, the employer or self-employed person purchases the equipment.
  • The employer submits proof of purchase to the Department for reimbursement.

Applications submitted after equipment has been purchased cannot be considered for funding.

Appeals

There is no formal appeals process. However, if your application is refused, you may request a review by another Department of Social Protection officer within 21 days of the decision. Your request should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and include any additional supporting evidence.

 

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